The Rolling Stones' 31-year run on the EMI label is about to come to an end, with the band planning to sign with concert-promoter-cum-record-label Live Nation, which has already lured Madonna and Jay-Z onto its roster.

Not only would the deal involve future albums and tours, but would also encompass the group's back catalog, according to sources cited by The Observer, which currently earns EMI about $3 million per year.

Aside from having recorded some of the best rock songs of all time (see below), the Rolling Stones are the kings of the touring industry, with some tours grossing nearly three quarters of a billion dollars. If the deal goes through, Live Nation would run those tours, providing T-shirts and other band merchandise, as well as handling the band's recorded music business.

Live Nation gave Madonna $120 million for a ten year deal, while Jay-Z's Live Nation deal amounts to $150 million, also for a ten year period. U2 signed a 12 year deal with the company for merchandise, digital distribution and branding rights, though it is still signed to Universal Music Group for physical distribution. That deal is thought to have been in the $100 million range.

The Rolling Stones deal could be higher than any of these, given the band's ability to pack stadiums full of baby boomers willing to pay an average of well over $100 per seat.